Student Housing to Come Under Scrutiny in Swansea

Student housing is set to come under renewed scrutiny as work begins on the Supplementary Planning Guidance for Swansea.

This will be followed by discussions with residents, landlords and organisations like Swansea University, the University of Wales Trinity St David and other organisations.

The move follows a similar investigation into limiting the number and density of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), which are predominantly used by students. However, the report was rejected by the council's planning committee.

Andrea Lewis, cabinet member for housing, energy and building services, said: "HMOs provide a significant service to the private housing rental sector in Swansea.

"They are used not only by students but also by other individuals and families who have not bought their own property.

"But we also need to recognise that the council needs extra powers to ensure that the number and density of HMOs does not risk overwhelming the communities in which they exist.

"Supplementary Planning Guidance will give us the extra powers we need to do this. But any guidance we introduce must be evidence based to ensure it is able to stand up to appeal by applicants who may have proposals turned down."

HMOs have become a hot topic in Swansea, with some complaining that an influx of students in some parts of the city has led to noise complaints and littering.